The New Orleans Saints did not go through a full practice on Christmas; however, they did unveil their Wednesday walkthrough report. Two significant names in quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas popped up as limited (estimated) participants, the team announced.

Brees showed up on the injury report for a knee injury. Thomas a hand injury.

It's unlikely that either of the injuries is serious. It seems as if Brees and Thomas are just getting some light rest heading into January.

While New Orleans has clinched a playoff berth, Week 17 still holds some significance. If the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers lose, the Saints will hold the number one seed in the NFC.

If the Packers lose and the 49ers and Saints win, New Orleans is locked into the second seed, still earning themselves a first-round bye. A loss from the Saints guarantees that they secure the third seed and a game on wild card weekend, albeit a home one.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

New Orleans should have no trouble doing their part in pushing for a first-round bye. The Panthers have been awful since firing Ron Rivera. Their defense has fallen apart and their offense — despite having the all-world tailback Christian McCaffrey — has struggled, with rookie Will Grier now taking over as quarterback from Kyle Allen.

Cornerback Eli Apple (ankle), wide receiver Krishawn Hogan (hamstring) and safety Marcus Williams (groin) were all listed as “did not participate” in the walkthrough injury report for Christmas.